Despite being partly inside Switzerland, Lake Lugano, or Lago di Lugano, is almost always thought of as one of the Italian Lakes. It shares the same temperate micro-climate and stunning alpine setting as Lake Como and Lake Garda, it has similarly elegant cities, towns and villages along its long, narrow, curving shore and the best hotels on Lake Lugano have similarly charming views to the best hotels on the Italian Lakes.
Our Guru’s collection of the best hotels on Lake Lugano includes a wonderful grand hotel, converted from a villa once belonging to Russian nobility, but it also includes a great little B&B in the mountains. Some of the best hotel on Lake Lugano are definitely those closest to the lake, but if you’re looking for great value, peace and quiet and spectacular mountain views then it’s certainly worth considering those properties up in the hills above the lake - especially those between Lake Lugano and Lake Como.
Lugano, the largest centre on the lake, and the city the lake is named after, is within Switzerland, but it’s only half an hour from Como or Varese, so it’s a great base for exploring not just Lake Lugano, but also the neighbouring lakes. You’re also only an hour and a half from Milan. When catching the ferry or boats around the lake - which is definitely one of the best ways to see the lake - you need to have your passport with you, as some of your stops may be on the Italian side of the border.
Monte Brè, which is at the eastern end will appeal to walkers and hikers, and there’s a funicular if you enjoy the view but not the hard work, Monte San Salvatore is just west from Lugano and is a wonderfully rounded hill-mountain, or there’s Monte San Giorgio, which is a wooded mountain best known for its wonderful oceanic fossils from the Triassic period - there’s a great little fossil museum.
There’s also a Herman Hess museum, which has some of the thousands of watercolours he painted in this region, plus some of his books and personal effects. It’s unusual but popular. The Parco Scherrer in Morcote is a wonderful park with a subtropical feel and some amazing architecture, there’s a great smuggling museum on Gandria, and Lugano also has Europe’s largest casino. In Melide you can visit Swissminiatur, which has 1:25 scale models of around 120 of Switzerland’s best known attractions.
Once a mansion belonging to Russian nobility, the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is now a five star grand dame hotel in an incredibly beautiful setting. Three are 78 rooms, each with their own unique character and traditionally luxurious decor, plus there’s a Michelin starred restaurant. Lakeside pampering amongst some of the most spectacular Lake Lugano scenery imaginable.
The Villa Principe Leopoldo is set in the former palace of a prince, Villa Principe Leopoldo certainly retains its regal grandeur. With opulent rooms, a fantastic restaurant and a charming piano bar, it's a lavish affair. Luxuriate in the Kiso Spa and in the summer recline by the divine pool. An encapsulation of serenity.
For total opulence in stunning surroundings The View is a fabulous five-star hotel with a view fit for its emphatic title. The minimalist suites are sleek and cool with sharp contemporary design features and staggering vistas over the lake. Explore the shores of the lake by bicycle or complimentary e-cars. A tranquil oasis.
For a hotel that can only be reached by boat, Elvezia al Lago is a traditional lakeside hotel with spectacular views. The cosy rooms boast antique artwork, floral motifs and little balconies. Evenings spent over candlelit dinners and days roaming around picturesque countryside. Total relaxation in charming accommodation.
The Hotel Villa Carona is an historic, family-friendly villa in the artist village of Ticino. The 200-year old building has original architectural features, from the vaulted ceiling in the dining room to the exposed beams in the bedrooms. Plush Persian rugs and dark wood furnishings complete this intimate countryside oasis.
If you're looking for a central location with easy access to the surrounding countryside, Hotel Gabbani is a chic hotel, well placed in the centre of the city. The historic facade hides a strikingly modern interior. Smart rooms with white washed walls, crisp white linen, contemporary furniture and luxury bathrooms. A fine-dining restaurant serves exemplary regional cuisine.
If your idea of the best hotels on Lake Lugano stretches to include B&Bs as well, then the three bedroom Alpe del Lupo, in an off-the-beaten-track location in the hills between Lake Lugano and Lake Como, might be perfect for you. The rooms are stylish and large and there’s a large communal dining rooms and beautiful views. It’s great value, and if you’re travelling as a small group then you can easily rent out the whole property.
If you're travelling with the kids in tow, then consider the Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort. With all suite accommodation (some can sleep up to 6), kids clubs for all ages, fun pool with slides and separate baby pool, the largest private beach on Lake Lugano and watersports galore, plus a great spa and yoga pavillion, no-one will ever be bored!
For a contemporary hotel in the historic city of Lugano, Hotel City does not fail to impress. Wonderfully contrasting with its placing, revel in the chic white interiors dotted with vibrant colours. Unwind in the uber slick bar and return to stylish rooms bedecked with modern art. Within walking distance of many attractions.
Lugano
A traditional lakeside hotel with spectacular views. The cosy rooms boast antique artwork, floral motifs and little balconies. Evenings spent over candlelit dinners and days roaming around picturesque countryside. Total relaxation in charming accommodation.
Lugano
Five star luxury in the most breathtaking of surroundings. All the traditional and luxurious rooms have their own unique character, and views of the serene landscape. Feast on Michelin starred cuisine at the on site restaurant. Come here for serious lakeside pampering.
Lombardy (Cima di Porlezza)
An extensive resort sat within stunning surrounds with both lake and mountain views. Contemporary rooms are light and airy with floor to ceiling windows. A number of restaurants and bars with outdoor spots and a view to boot. A private beach and a wealth of activities make it ideal for families.
Lugano
A fabulous five-star hotel with a view fit for its emphatic title. The minimalist suites are sleek and cool with sharp contemporary design features and staggering vistas over the lake. Explore the shores of the lake by bicycle or complimentary e-cars. A tranquil oasis.
Lugano
Set in the former palace of a prince, Villa Principe Leopoldo certainly retains its regal grandeur. With opulent rooms, a fantastic restaurant and a charming piano bar, it's a lavish affair. Luxuriate in the Kiso Spa and in the summer recline by the divine pool. An encapsulation of serenity.
Lugano
A very contemporary hotel in the historic city of Lugano. Wonderfully contrasting with its placing, revel in the chic white interiors dotted with vibrant colours. Unwind in the uber slick bar and return to stylish rooms bedecked with modern art. Within walking distance of many attractions. Fabulous.
Lugano
A chic hotel, well placed, in the centre of the city. The historic facade unfurls a strikingly modern interior. Smart rooms with white washed walls, crisp white linen, contemporary furniture and luxury bathrooms. A fine-dining restaurant serves exemplary regional cuisine. Fabulous.
Lugano (Lugano)
A historic, family-friendly villa just outside Lugano. The 200-year old building has original architectural features, from the vaulted ceiling in the dining room to the exposed beams in the bedrooms. Plush Persian rugs and dark wood furnishings complete this intimate countryside oasis.
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